A standard US 12 oz aluminum can is about 4.8″ tall and 2.6″ wide (12.2 x 6.6 cm). It holds 355 mL, according to Dimensions.com.
Not every can is that size, though. Slim, sleek, tallboy and crowler cans each have their own numbers. This guide covers aluminum can sizes in ounces and milliliters, can codes, and label size, all in inches and centimeters.
Table of Contents
Standard Aluminum Can Dimensions in Inches and Centimeters
What are the standard sizes of cans? In the US, the common aluminum sizes are 8.4 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz and 32 oz.
| Can size | Volume | Diameter x height (in) | Diameter x height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.4 oz slim | 250 mL | 2.08″ x 5.17″ | 5.3 x 13.1 |
| 12 oz standard | 355 mL | 2.6″ x 4.8″ | 6.6 x 12.2 |
| 16 oz standard | 473 mL | 2.68″ x 6.19″ | 6.8 x 15.7 |
| 32 oz crowler | 950 mL | 2.86″ x 7.60″ | 7.3 x 19.3 |
Sources: Dimensions.com (12 oz), TricorBraun (16 oz and 32 oz) and TricorBraun’s Ball 8.4 oz listing. Centimeters are converted from inches.
You may see two numbers for the 12 oz can. Crown lists 66 mm x 122.22 mm (2.6″ x 4.81″). TricorBraun lists 2.68″ x 4.81″. The gap is small. It comes from what is measured. The 2.68″ figure matches the can’s nominal code (more on that below). The 2.6″ figure is the body.
A standard can is wider and shorter. A slim or sleek can is narrow and tall. They can hold the same drink, but they look and feel very different.
Aluminum Can Height and Diameter by Milliliter
Most of the world sizes cans in milliliters. Can makers like Ardagh publish exact specs in millimeters.
Once you know the standard aluminum can dimensions, the next step is understanding how labels are sized to fit the can’s curved surface. For detailed measurements, templates, and sizing guidance, explore our guide to beer can label dimensions.
| Can size | Diameter x height (mm) | Diameter x height (in) | Diameter x height (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 mL slim | 53.4 x 111.2 | 2.10″ x 4.38″ | 5.3 x 11.1 |
| 250 mL slim | 53.4 x 134 | 2.10″ x 5.28″ | 5.3 x 13.4 |
| 250 mL sleek | 57.4 x 115 | 2.26″ x 4.53″ | 5.7 x 11.5 |
| 355 mL (12 oz) | 66 x 122.2 | 2.6″ x 4.81″ | 6.6 x 12.2 |
| 500 mL standard | 66.3 x 168 | 2.61″ x 6.61″ | 6.6 x 16.8 |
Sources: Ardagh can specs for 200 mL, 250 mL and 500 mL, plus a retailer listing for the 250 mL sleek. Diameters are maximums. Treat all numbers as “about.”
What are the dimensions of a 500ml can? About 66.3 mm x 168 mm, or 2.61″ x 6.61″ (6.6 x 16.8 cm).
What are the dimensions of a 200ml can? About 53.4 mm x 111.2 mm, or 2.10″ x 4.38″ (5.3 x 11.1 cm).
What are the dimensions of a 250ml can? A slim 250 mL can is about 53.4 mm x 134 mm, or 2.10″ x 5.28″ (5.3 x 13.4 cm). A sleek 250 mL can is shorter and wider, at about 2.26″ x 4.53″.
Here is a quick ounce-to-milliliter guide:
- 200 mL is about 6.8 oz
- 250 mL is about 8.4 oz
- 355 mL is 12 oz
- 473 mL is 16 oz
- 500 mL is about 16.9 oz
A 500 mL can and a US 16 oz can look alike. They are not the same. The 500 mL can is about 0.4″ taller and holds a bit more.
Brands use these sizes for different drinks. TricorBraun lists carbonated soft drinks, ready-to-drink tea, craft beer and flavored waters for 12 oz cans. It lists energy drinks for 16 oz cans, and cold brew coffee, juice and craft beer for 32 oz crowlers.
How to Read Aluminum Can Codes, Ends and Sizes
Can makers use a three-digit code. Craft Brew Labels explains it well. The first digit is whole inches. The next two digits are sixteenths of an inch.
So 211 means 2 11/16″, or 2.6875″ (6.83 cm). Crown lists the standard 12 oz can as 211 x 413. That is 2 11/16″ wide and 4 13/16″ tall.
This is the same code style used for food cans. Read more in our food can dimensions guide.
Cans also have an end size. It describes the lid, not the body:
- 200 and 202 ends fit slim and standard cans
- 206 ends fit some wider cans
- 300 ends fit the 32 oz crowler
A can has a few parts: the body, the neck, the flange, the end and the tab. The end must match the can, or the seam will not seal. For example, TricorBraun lists a 202 end for 12 oz and 16 oz cans and a 300 end for crowlers.
Here is a short checklist before you buy:
- Pick the size that fits your drink.
- Match the can end to the can.
- Check that your filling line can run that size.
- Plan for carriers or packs, such as 4-pack and 6-pack holders.
Most beverage cans are aluminum with a protective lining, such as BPA-NI. A “brite” can is a plain silver can made for printing or labels.
They are also easy to recycle. TricorBraun says recycled cans can be back on store shelves in about 114 days.
Aluminum Can Label Size: Circumference and Print Area
Label size starts with one formula:
Circumference = diameter x 3.14
A 211 can is 2.6875″ wide. That makes it about 8.44″ around (21.4 cm). Craft Brew Labels gives this same number.
A label can be up to that width. But overlap can look messy, so printers leave a small margin. Craft Brew Labels uses these common sizes:
| Can size | Label width x height (in) | Label width x height (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 12 oz | 8.125″ x 3.625″ | 20.6 x 9.2 |
| 16 oz | 8.125″ x 5″ | 20.6 x 12.7 |
Source: Craft Brew Labels. Centimeters are converted from inches.
Watch out for 16 oz cans. They are not all the same. Craft Brew Labels found that a narrower 207 can is taller than the usual 211 can, because it holds the same volume. That changes the gaps at the top, bottom and seam. Always test a label on the exact can you plan to use.
For printed cans, makers like Crown offer artwork templates. Finishes include bright white, gloss, matte, tactile and color-changing inks. Sleeves are another option.
FAQs
What are the dimensions of a 500ml can?
About 66.3 mm x 168 mm, or 2.61″ x 6.61″ (6.6 x 16.8 cm).
What are the standard sizes of cans?
In the US, common aluminum sizes are 8.4 oz, 12 oz, 16 oz and 32 oz. By volume, common sizes are 200, 250, 355 and 500 mL.
What are the dimensions of a 200ml can?
About 53.4 mm x 111.2 mm, or 2.10″ x 4.38″ (5.3 x 11.1 cm).
What are the dimensions of a 250ml can?
A slim 250 mL can is about 53.4 mm x 134 mm, or 2.10″ x 5.28″ (5.3 x 13.4 cm). A sleek one is about 2.26″ x 4.53″ (5.7 x 11.5 cm).
Conclusion
Aluminum can dimensions depend on volume and style. A standard 12 oz can is about 2.6″ x 4.8″ (6.6 x 12.2 cm), and slim, sleek, 500 mL and crowler cans differ. Check the can maker’s spec sheet before you order cans, ends or labels.
Rehmaan Khan is a Measurement Content Researcher Specializing in MLmeasurement, Size Guides, Charts, and Simple Educational Measurement Content.